The
New York Giants brought New Jersey its first NFL championship
with their victory in Super Bowl XXI. The Giants beat the Denver
Broncos 39-20 to become the 1986 World Champions. Phil Simms,
a resident of Franklin Lakes, was named Super Bowl MVP. Simms
had perhaps the greatest game by a quarterback in Super Bowl
history. He completed a record 22 of his 25 passes.

Also
from Franklin Lakes, Harry Carson started one of the most famous
traditions in sports history. Carson was one of the Giants
greatest linebackers and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
After an important Giants victory in their march to the Super
Bowl, Carson dumped Gatorade on coach Bill Parcells. Today,
the “Gatorade Splash” is still one of the most
famous victory celebrations in sports.

The
Giants of the 1980s were led by the greatest linebacker of
all time, Lawrence Taylor. “LT” is among the all-time
NFL leaders in sacks. Taylor was still leading the Giants “D” in
1991 when the Giants got their second Super Bowl championship,
beating the Buffalo Bills 20-19 in Super Bowl XXV. Because
of its last second drama, many considered the game the greatest
Super Bowl ever.

Leading
both of the Giants’ Super Bowl teams was coach Bill Parcells.
Parcells, who attended River Dell High School, also brought
the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1997. In 1998,
Parcells became head coach of Jets. Parcells led the Jets to
the AFC Championship before retiring before the 2000 season.

Running
back Curtis Martin is a key player who has helped turn the
Jets into a top contender. Martin is one of only three players
to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first seven
seasons in the NFL. Martin also set Jets records for most yards
in a game with 203 and most rushing yards in a season with
1,464.

In
2000, the Giants returned to the Super Bowl, where they lost
to the Baltimore Ravens. Last year, the Giants season was highlighted
by the play of defensive end Michael Strahan. Strahan set a
record with 22.5 sacks in a single season. Former Jet Mark
Gastineau previously held the record with 22. As the Giants
and Jets head into the 2002 season, both teams will strive
to bring another Super Bowl back to New Jersey.